Budget Air Rifle for Cottontail

[clunker]

I have a pesky rabbit that simply will not stay off my property. So far, it has killed one of my apple trees, reduced my burning bush to a stump, and now is the likely culprit of my dog's illness. My girl simply cannot resist the allure of rabbit poo, and I'm convinced it is the reason she keeps getting sick. I can deal with losing some plants, but you mess with my dog, and all bets are off.

If I lived outside city limits with some acreage, I could easily pick that bastard off at 300 yards with my .223. Unfortunately, I live in a densely populated neighborhood within city limits. You aren't supposed to shoot air rifles here either, but the police chief has given special permission in certain circumstances, and I think I have a pretty good case. The only other option is a live trap, but then I have to haul the varmint out to public lands (more than an hour drive), so I can let it go and then shoot it.

I'm looking for an air rifle in the $200 range. I don't expect to miss on the first shot, but it would be nice to have the ability to fire a second shot quickly. I don't expect to take a shot that is more than 60 feet from my back door, but accuracy is always a plus. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[group therapy]

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[Toby Bradshaw]

If you don't have a long-term use for an air rifle, use your .22 with CB caps. Just as quiet as a typical air rifle, with plenty of punch for rabbits (and up).

 

[snert]

I would buy a live trap. No need to take it far....mile or two and let it go in city park....or in your brother in laws yard when he isnt looking, depending on how you feel about him... Rabbits generally are not homing pigeons.

 

[clunker]

If you don't have a long-term use for an air rifle, use your .22 with CB caps. Just as quiet as a typical air rifle, with plenty of punch for rabbits (and up).

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I should have mentioned that anything louder than a simple pop of an air rifle would probably start a city-wide lockdown. Some modern air rifles are supposed to be much quieter than past generations, so that plays a role in my decision too. I haven't heard the report of these CB caps, but I can't imagine they are quiet enough at 6 AM to not disturb some neighbors.

 

[Kermit in Va.]

Why not eat it ???

 

[ND shooter]

I should have mentioned that anything louder than a simple pop of an air rifle would probably start a city-wide lockdown. Some modern air rifles are supposed to be much quieter than past generations, so that plays a role in my decision too. I haven't heard the report of these CB caps, but I can't imagine they are quiet enough at 6 AM to not disturb some neighbors.

Exactly. Listen to your gut.

 

[ND shooter]

I would buy a live trap. No need to take it far....mile or two and let it go in city park....or in your brother in laws yard when he isnt looking, depending on how you feel about him... Rabbits generally are not homing pigeons.

^^^^^ This. Much closer to legal all around. Cheaper also.

 

[markT]

Get a used break barrel. Gamo or other brand. Or borrow an air rifle (pcp) from someone.
A trap might be a solution, but not near as much fun as a pellet to da head.

 

[clunker]

Why not eat it ???

Do you mean, "why not let the dog eat the poo," or do you mean, "why not eat the rabbit?" Not sure I want to eat a rabbit that has parasites. Otherwise, I'm down with rabbit stew.

^^^^^ This. Much closer to legal all around. Cheaper also.

Not really cheaper if you have to pay for two hours of gas to reach public land. This is a dog-friendly community, and I would hate for someone else's dog to get sick because I didn't take care of the problem. It has to be killed, whether taken far out of the area or killed locally. Personally, I'd rather take its head off with some good varmint rounds, but I can't use the good stuff in town.

 

[ND shooter]

Do you mean, "why not let the dog eat the poo," or do you mean, "why not eat the rabbit?" Not sure I want to eat a rabbit that has parasites. Otherwise, I'm down with rabbit stew.



Not really cheaper if you have to pay for two hours of gas to reach public land. This is a dog-friendly community, and I would hate for someone else's dog to get sick because I didn't take care of the problem. It has to be killed, whether taken far out of the area or killed locally. Personally, I'd rather take its head off with some good varmint rounds, but I can't use the good stuff in town.

So you think you have the ONLY cottontail in town??? Where did it come from?

 

[Kermit in Va.]

I was talk'in bout eating the rabbit...


Kermit

 

[clunker]

So you think you have the ONLY cottontail in town??? Where did it come from?

There are tons of cottontails all over town. They are territorial, so you probably only have to deal with one or two per year. The issue is that the current one is probably sick, and future ones might also be sick. They always start snooping at dawn. Easy game if I have the means to put them down without disturbing the peace.

 

[ND shooter]

There are tons of cottontails all over town. They are territorial, so you probably only have to deal with one or two per year. The issue is that the current one is probably sick, and future ones might also be sick. They always start snooping at dawn. Easy game if I have the means to put them down without disturbing the peace.

Got it. Be careful and cautious. Don't get into trouble. Good luck.

 

[Toby Bradshaw]

I should have mentioned that anything louder than a simple pop of an air rifle would probably start a city-wide lockdown. Some modern air rifles are supposed to be much quieter than past generations, so that plays a role in my decision too. I haven't heard the report of these CB caps, but I can't imagine they are quiet enough at 6 AM to not disturb some neighbors.

Try a CB cap. They are definitely as quiet as my 750fps Weihrauch springer. PCP rifles are louder than springers. I live in a neighborhood of 1/4-acre lots and have killed a metric ton of 'coons and 'possums without raising an eyebrow.

 

[dgeesaman]

I'd leave some firewood on the back porch and as soon as I got my shot with CB, I'd get out there and finish splitting that wood. Or finish driving some nails in that sheet of plywood.

I can offer all kinds of airgun suggestions, but I won't lie - my recommendations start at $300 and go up. I wouldn't take a Gamo if it was handed to me for free.

A better airgun is truly outstanding marksmanship practice tool. Learn to shoot one well and you will have mastered basically every aspect of rifle shooting.

 

[stacy]

THE GAMMO HAS SERVED ME WELL IT'S A 440 MODEL OLDER ONE BUT IT STILL PUTS SQUIRRELS IN THE PAN!!!!!!!

 

[Rustytigwire]

Daisy 880 multi pump $50 at wm
Get pretty good velocity with regular crosman pellets
Valving is held open on trigger pull for a quieter snap report.
Versus
Loud Blatt sound of hammer /valve bounce of 2240 crosman or benjamin pump.
A decent 22 or even a 25 break barrel makes a good WHACK sound but doesnt sound much like "gun"
Good luck

 

[Adam in WI]

Get a used break barrel. Gammo or other brand. Or borrow a air rifle (pcp) from someone.
A trap might be a solution, but not near as much fun as a pellet to da head.

I wouldn't waste good money on a cheap break barrel. Louder than a 22 CB, most likely less powerful, and certainly not as accurate.

PCP, yes; but cost gets to be a consideration.

Im in agreement with the camp that says if you don't want to eat him, just drop him off at the nearest golf course.

 

[Treerat-sniper]

I used a Benjamin Sheridan .22 for years when my parents lived in town, took all kinds of backyard critters with just a whisper.